Cartridge, kit comprising cartridge, electric measuring apparatus, and electric measuring method

ABSTRACT

In embodiments, there is provided a cartridge comprising a container comprising an opening and a holding portion to hold a sample and/or a reagent, an electrode disposed on a container wall of the container, and a removable separator to separate at least some of the holding portion of the container from the electrode when the removable separator is inserted into the holding portion. The cartridge may be combined in a kit with a member to insert the sample, or in an electrical measuring apparatus comprising a circuit to measure electrical characteristic(s) of a second signal, resulting from application of a first signal to the electrode, and indicative of electrical characteristic(s) of the sample and/or the reagent.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of and claims the benefit under 35U.S.C. § 120 of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/108,617, titled“CARTRIDGE, KIT COMPRISING CARTRIDGE, ELECTRIC MEASURING APPARATUS, ANDELECTRIC MEASURING METHOD,” filed Jun. 28, 2016, which claims thebenefit under 35 U.S.C. § 371 as a U.S. National Stage Entry ofInternational Application No. PCT/JP2014/006487, filed in the JapanesePatent Office as a Receiving Office on Dec. 26, 2014, which claimspriority to Japanese Patent Application JP 2014-233041 filed Nov. 17,2014 and Japanese Patent Application JP 2014-001064 filed Jan. 7, 2014,each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present technology relates to a cartridge for electric measurementto measure electric characteristics of a sample. In particular, thepresent technology relates to a cartridge for electric measurementincluding a structure suitable for encapsulating a reagent used tomeasure electric characteristics of a sample and capable of improvingthe accuracy of measurement and an electric measuring apparatus and anelectric measuring method using the cartridge for electric measurement.

BACKGROUND ART

Electric characteristics of a sample are measured to determine physicalproperties of the sample based on the measurement result or to determinethe type of cells or the like contained in the sample (see, for example,PTL 1). Electric characteristics to be measured include the complexdielectric constant and the frequency dispersion (dielectric spectrum)thereof. The complex dielectric constant and the frequency dispersionthereof are generally calculated by measuring complex capacitance orcomplex impedance between electrodes by using a solution holder or thelike including electrodes to apply a voltage to a solution.

In addition, for example, PTL 2 discloses a technology to acquireinformation about blood coagulation from the dielectric constant ofblood and describes “a blood coagulation analyzer including a pair ofelectrodes, an application device for applying an alternating voltage tothe pair of electrodes at predetermined intervals, a measuring devicefor measuring the dielectric constant of blood arranged between the pairof electrodes, and an analysis device for analyzing the degree ofworking of a blood coagulation system using the dielectric constant ofthe blood measured at the above intervals after the action ofanticoagulant acting on the blood ceases”.

As a container to contain a sample when measuring electriccharacteristics of the sample, for example, PTL 3 discloses a samplecartridge for measurement of electric characteristics of the sampleformed from an insulating material in a cylindrical shape, capable ofholding the sample in a region including the surface of an electrodeinserted from an opening of each of both ends thereof and the surface ofan inner space, and provided with a narrowed portion in which an innerspace is narrowed positioned between two opposed electrodes in theregion.

Incidentally, a reagent used for measurement of electric characteristicsof a sample is generally encapsulated in a container in an ampoule-typeor cap-type form.

The ampoule-type container needs to be melted and closed to encapsulatea reagent, leading to a heavy cost burden of equipment investment andthe like. In addition, the user needs to cut a specific portion of thecontainer when the container is unstopped, posing a problem of increasedtime and effort.

On the other hand, the cap-type container is available in two types, thescrew type and the snap-in type. The screw type container poses aproblem of an increased cost burden during manufacturing and increasedtime and effort when unstopped. The snap-in type container poses aproblem of a flying reagent when unstopped.

In addition to the above containers, a combination of a simplecylindrical container and a cap (for example, an Eppendorf tube) poses aproblem of a reagent in the container flying inside the container duringtransportation and remaining on the container wall, leading to loweraccuracy of measurement.

Further, the reagent encapsulated in these containers needs to bedistributively poured into each cartridge for measurement afterunstopping when electric characteristics of a sample are measured. Atthis point, a problem of dust and the like in the air being mixed intothe cartridge for measurement is posed.

CITATION LIST Patent Literature

-   [PTL 1]-   JP 2009-042141 A-   [PTL 2]-   JP 2010-181400 A-   [PTL 3]-   JP 2012-052906 A

SUMMARY Technical Problem

As described above, a container in a conventional form has a problem ofdecreased convenience when unstopped or transported. Also when electriccharacteristics of a sample are measured, if measurement is attempted byusing a reagent encapsulated in a conventional container, a problem oflower accuracy of measurement is posed for reasons of a more complicatedmeasurement process and the like.

Thus, in the present technology, it is desirable to provide a cartridgefor electric measurement including a structure suitable forencapsulating a reagent used to measure electric characteristics of asample and capable of improving the accuracy of measurement.

Solution to Problem

To solve the above challenge, as a result of an intensive study on thestructure of a cartridge, mainly used for measurement of electriccharacteristics of a sample, the inventors succeeded in solving thechallenge by devising the physical relationship between a portion wherea reagent is encapsulated and electrodes, resulting in successfulcompletion of the present technology.

That is, according to the present technology, a cartridge comprising: acontainer comprising an opening and a holding portion to hold a sampleand/or a reagent; an electrode disposed on a container wall of thecontainer; and a removable separator to separate at least some of theholding portion of the container from the electrode when the removableseparator is inserted into the holding portion, is provided.

The cartridge according to the present technology may be distributed ina kit, the kit further comprising a member to introduce the sample intothe container. The member may be a pipet or may be an injection needle.

More specifically, according to the present technology, a kit comprisesa cartridge comprising: a container comprising an opening and a holdingportion to hold a sample and/or a reagent; an electrode, disposed on acontainer wall of the container with a part of the electrode extendingto an interior surface of the container wall and to the holding portion,to apply an electrical signal to the sample and/or reagent as part of adiagnostic process; and a removable separator to separate at least someof the holding portion of the container from the electrode when theremovable separator is inserted into the holding portion, and a memberto introduce the sample into the container is provided.

Also, the cartridge for electric measurement according to the presenttechnology may suitably be used as part of an electric measuringapparatus.

More specifically, in some embodiments there is provided an electricmeasuring apparatus comprising: a cartridge comprising: a containercomprising an opening and a holding portion to hold a sample and/or areagent; an electrode, disposed on a container wall of the containerwith a part of the electrode extending to an interior surface of thecontainer wall and to the holding portion, to apply an electrical signalto the sample and/or reagent as part of a diagnostic process; and aremovable separator to separate at least some of the holding portion ofthe container from the electrode when the removable separator isinserted into the holding portion, a cartridge holder into which thecartridge is inserted, a signal generating circuit to generate a firstsignal to be applied to the electrode of the cartridge, and a measuringcircuit to measure at least one electric characteristic of a secondsignal, resulting from application of the first signal to the electrodeof the cartridge, indicative of one or more electrical characteristicsof the sample and/or the reagent disposed in the holding portion isprovided.

Further, the cartridge may further comprise a clamp, the clampcomprising a notched portion provided in the container and a clawprovided on the removable separator and arranged to catch in the notchedportion when the removable separator is inserted into the holdingportion, and the electric measuring apparatus may further comprising asealing release member to, upon insertion of the cartridge into thecartridge holder, release the claw of the clamp from the notchedportion.

Further, the cartridge for electric measurement according to the presenttechnology can suitably be used for a method comprising removing aremovable separator from a container of a cartridge, the cartridgecomprising a reagent disposed in the container and an electrode at leastpartially disposed in the container, wherein prior to removal theremovable separator formed a liquid-tight seal separating the reagentfrom the electrode; applying at least one electrical signal to theelectrode of the cartridge; measuring at least one second signalresulting from application of the at least one electrical signal to theelectrode of the cartridge; and determining at least one diagnosticresult of a sample disposed with the reagent in the container based atleast in part on the measuring.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

A cartridge for electric measurement according to the present technologyhas a structure in which at least a portion of a sample holding portionis sealed and so is suitable for encapsulating a reagent used formeasurement of electric characteristics of a sample. The portion inwhich the reagent is encapsulated and an electrode are separated andtherefore, the accuracy of measurement can be improved. The effectsdescribed here are not necessarily to be limited and may be any effectdescribed in the present technology.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a schematic end view schematically showing a first embodimentof a cartridge for electric measurement 1 according to the presenttechnology, and FIG. 1B is a schematic end view in a state excluding asealing portion from FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2A is a schematic end view schematically showing a secondembodiment of the cartridge for electric measurement 1 according to thepresent technology, FIG. 2B is an L-L′ arrow end view of FIG. 2A, andFIG. 2C is an M-M′ arrow end view of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 3 is a schematic end view schematically showing a third embodimentof the cartridge for electric measurement 1 according to the presenttechnology;

FIG. 4A is a schematic end view schematically showing a fourthembodiment of the cartridge for electric measurement 1 according to thepresent technology, and FIG. 4B is a schematic end view in a stateexcluding the sealing portion from FIG. 4A. Further, FIG. 4C is an L-L′arrow end view of FIG. 4A and FIG. 4D is an M-M′ arrow end view of FIG.4A;

FIG. 5 is a schematic end view schematically showing a fifth embodimentof the cartridge for electric measurement 1 according to the presenttechnology;

FIG. 6 is a schematic end view schematically showing a sixth embodimentof the cartridge for electric measurement 1 according to the presenttechnology;

FIG. 7A is a schematic end view schematically showing a seventhembodiment of the cartridge for electric measurement 1 according to thepresent technology, and FIGS. 7B and 7C are enlarged views of a brokenline portion in FIG. 7A;

FIG. 8 is a schematic end view schematically showing an eighthembodiment of the cartridge for electric measurement 1 according to thepresent technology;

FIG. 9 is a schematic end view schematically showing a ninth embodimentof the cartridge for electric measurement 1 according to the presenttechnology;

FIG. 10A is a schematic view schematically showing a tenth embodiment ofthe cartridge for electric measurement 1 according to the presenttechnology, FIG. 10B is an arrow end view when viewed from an L side inFIG. 10A, and FIG. 10C is an arrow end view when viewed from an M sidein FIG. 10A;

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram schematically showing the firstembodiment of an electric measuring apparatus 10 according to thepresent technology;

FIG. 12 is a schematic end view schematically showing a detailed exampleof an eleventh embodiment of the cartridge for electric measurement 1according to the present technology and a cartridge insertion portion 3of the electric measuring apparatus 10 according to the presenttechnology;

FIG. 13A is a schematic end view schematically showing an example of aninstant when a sealed state of a sample holding portion 112 is releasedby a release pin 61 in the cartridge for electric measurement 1 (twelfthembodiment) according to the present technology. FIG. 13B is a schematicend view schematically showing an example immediately after the sealedstate being released by the release pin 61. FIG. 13C is a schematic endview schematically showing the cartridge for electric measurement 1(twelfth embodiment) viewed from a direction perpendicular to thesectional view in FIG. 13A;

FIG. 14A is a schematic end view schematically showing an example thatis different from the example in FIG. 13 of the instant when the sealedstate of the sample holding portion 112 is released by the release pin61 in the cartridge for electric measurement 1 (eleventh embodiment)according to the present technology. FIG. 14B is a schematic end viewschematically showing an example that is different from the example inFIG. 13 immediately after the sealed state being released by the releasepin 61; and

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram schematically showing the firstembodiment of a kit for electric measurement K according to the presenttechnology.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Preferred embodiments to carry out the present technology will bedescribed below with reference to the drawings. The embodimentsdescribed below show some representative embodiments of the presenttechnology and the scope of the present technology will not be therebyinterpreted in a narrow sense. The description will be provided in theorder shown below:

1. Cartridge for Electric Measurement 1

-   -   (1) Container 11    -   (a) Opening 111    -   (b) Sample Holding Portion 112    -   (2) Sealing Portion 12    -   (3) Electrode 13    -   (4) Clamping Mechanism 2    -   (a) Notched Portion 21    -   (b) Claw 22    -   (5) Sample S    -   (6) Reagent R    -   (7) Others

2. Electric Measuring Apparatus 10

-   -   (1) Cartridge Insertion Portion 3    -   (2) Application Unit 4    -   (3) Measuring Unit 5    -   (4) Sealing Release Mechanism 6    -   (5) Others

3. Kit for Electric Measurement K

-   -   (1) Member for Sample Introduction 8

4. Electric Measuring Method

1. Cartridge for Electric Measurement 1

FIG. 1A is a schematic end view schematically showing the firstembodiment of the cartridge for electric measurement 1 according to thepresent technology. The cartridge for electric measurement 1 accordingto the present technology is a cartridge used to hold a sample whenelectric characteristics of the sample are measured. The cartridge forelectric measurement 1 according to the present technology roughlyincludes at least a container 11, a sealing portion 12, and an electrode13. In addition, as will be described later, a clamping mechanism 2 orthe like may be included if necessary. Each portion (unit) will bedescribed in detail below. Though a sample S and/or a reagent R isillustrated in each drawing from a description viewpoint, the sample Sand/or the reagent R is not necessarily included in the cartridge forelectric measurement 1 according to the present technology.

(1) Container 11

In the cartridge for electric measurement 1 according to the presenttechnology, the container 11 enables the introduction/holding of thesample S and/or the reagent R. The container 11 according to the presenttechnology is characterized in that at least an opening 111 and a sampleholding portion 112 are included.

In the cartridge for electric measurement 1 according to the presenttechnology, the form of the container 11 is not particularly limited andcan freely be designed in accordance with the type of the sample S orthe reagent R, the measuring method, or the measuring apparatus to beused. The form may be, for example, a cylindrical body, a polygonalcylinder whose cross section is polygonal (triangular, quadrangular ormore), a conical body, a polygonal cone whose cross section is polygonal(triangular, quadrangular or more), or a combination of two or more ofthese forms.

In the present technology, particularly in the container 11, it ispreferable to select a form in which at least a portion where theelectrode 13 is arranged is a flat surface. As a more concrete example,for example, a form combining, like the second embodiment shown in FIG.2, a cylindrical body and a quadrangular cylinder whose cross section isquadrangular can be cited. In general, the electrode used formeasurement of electric characteristics has frequently a plane or plateshape. If a cylindrical shape is selected for the container 11 accordingto the present technology, the electrode 13 in a plane or plate shapewill be mounted on a curved portion, which makes the manufacturingprocess very complex. In addition, if the electrode 13 in a plane orplate shape is mounted on a curved portion of the container 11, a stepis likely to arise in a connection portion of the container 11 and theelectrode 13 and, as will be described later, the efficiency ofmeasurement may deteriorate during measurement of electriccharacteristics. Therefore, by selecting a form of the container 11 inwhich at least a portion where the electrode 13 is arranged is plane,simplification of the manufacturing process and improvements of theefficiency of measurement can be realized.

The container 11 according to the present technology may have, like thethird embodiment shown in FIG. 3, a gradient from a container bottom 113toward the opening 111 on at least a portion of an inner wall side ifnecessary. The angle of gradient is not particularly limited, but aswill be described later, if the container 11 is formed by using resin,it is preferable to have an angle of 1 degree or more.

(a) Opening 111

The opening 111 is a site through which the sample S and/or the reagentR to be measured can be introduced.

(b) Sample Holding Portion 112

The sample holding portion 112 is a site by which the sample S and/orthe reagent R to be measured can be held. Various electriccharacteristics are measured while the sample S being held by the sampleholding portion 112. In addition, as will be described later, the sampleholding portion 112 according to the present technology is characterizedin that at least a portion thereof is sealed by the sealing portion 12and the electrode 13 is fixed.

The method of concretely introducing the sample S and/or the reagent Rinto the sample holding portion 112 is not particularly limited and themethod can freely be selected for introduction in accordance with theform of the container 11.

To introduce the sample S, for example, the sealing portion 12 isremoved from the cartridge for electric measurement 1 to create a stateas shown in FIG. 1B and then, the sample S is introduced into the sampleholding portion 112 using a pipet or the like. When the sample S isintroduced, the reagent R can also be introduced and the sample S mayalso be introduced to a place where the reagent R is encapsulated in thesample holding portion 112 in advance.

To introduce the reagent R, for example, the sealing portion 12 isremoved from the cartridge for electric measurement 1 to create a stateas shown in FIG. 1B and then, the reagent R is introduced into thesample holding portion 112 using a pipet or the like. In this case, thesealing portion 12 once removed can be fitted into the container 11again to encapsulate the reagent R in a sealed portion of the sampleholding portion 112. In a state as shown in FIG. 1A in which the sealingportion 12 is present, a method of introducing the reagent R by puttingan injection needle from an outer wall of the sample holding portion 112and after the reagent R is injected, filling a portion through theinjection needle is passed with grease or the like can be considered. Inthis case, the sealing portion 12 remained fitted into the container 11.

As described above, the cartridge for electric measurement 1 accordingto the present technology can encapsulate the reagent R in a sealedportion of the sample holding portion 112. Thus, the cartridge forelectric measurement 1 according to the present technology can betransported or stored while the reagent R is encapsulated in the sampleholding portion 112 of the cartridge for electric measurement 1 inadvance.

When electric characteristics are measured, the cartridge for electricmeasurement 1 holds the sample S in the sample holding portion 112 andthe sealing portion 12 is removed therefrom (see FIG. 1B).

(2) Sealing Portion 12

In the cartridge for electric measurement 1 according to the presenttechnology, the sealing portion 12 is characterized in that at least aportion of the sample holding portion 112 is sealed and also the sealedportion and the electrode 13 are separated.

In the cartridge for electric measurement 1 according to the presenttechnology, measurements are started after the sealing portion 12 beingremoved before the start of measurement of the electric characteristics.Thus, the attachment of dust in the air that could cause deteriorationof the accuracy of measurement to the electrode 13 or entrapment thereofinto the sample holding portion 112 can be avoided. Also in thecartridge for electric measurement 1 according to the presenttechnology, the sample holding portion 112 and the electrode 13 areseparated by the sealing portion 12 and thus, for example, when thecartridge is stored or transported while the reagent R is encapsulatedin the sample holding portion 112 in advance, the reagent R can beprevented from flying to the inner wall near the opening 111 or theelectrode 13. Therefore, the effective amount of reagent for the sampleS can be maintained.

Also, if the reagent R is, for example, a liquid, a chemical reactionwith the electrode 13 may occur or the electrode 13 may be corrodedafter the reagent R being attached to the electrode 13, but in thecartridge for electric measurement 1 according to the presenttechnology, the sample holding portion 112 and the electrode 13 areseparated by the sealing portion 12; therefore, a chemical reaction withand corrosion of the electrode 13 due to attachment of the reagent R tothe electrode 13 can be prevented. Further, for example, in theelectrode 13 portion, a reaction (for example, a blood-clottingreaction) of the sample S (for example, an organism sample such as ablood sample) occurs in some cases more easily under the influence ofmetal ions; therefore, measurement errors due to a heterogeneousreaction caused by a liquid reagent R or a freeze-dried reagent Rattached to the electrode 13 can be reduced.

In the cartridge for electric measurement 1 according to the presenttechnology, the form of the sealing portion 12 is not particularlylimited and can freely be designed in accordance with the type of thesample S or the reagent R, the measuring method, or the measuringapparatus to be used. The form may be, for example, a cylindrical body,a polygonal cylinder whose cross section is polygonal (triangular,quadrangular or more), a conical body, a polygonal cone whose crosssection is polygonal (triangular, quadrangular or more), or acombination of two or more of these forms. As a more concrete example,for example, a form combining, like the fourth embodiment shown in FIG.4, two cylindrical bodies and a quadrangular cylinder whose crosssection is quadrangular can be cited.

If the sealing portion 12 has the form of, for example, the firstembodiment in FIG. 1 or the second embodiment in FIG. 2, when insertedinto the container 11, the sealing portion initially reduces the amountof content while sliding along the inner wall of the container 11 andreaches a critical point in the end by covering an exposed portion ofthe electrode 13 fixed to the sample holding portion 112. The criticalpoint can freely be designed depending on the degree of fitting betweenthe container 11 and the sealing portion 12.

Further, the sealing portion 12 may have, like the fifth embodimentshown in FIG. 5, a gradient spreading from a bottom 121 of the sealingportion to an upper portion 122 of the sealing portion on at least aportion of the outer wall if necessary. The angle of gradient is notparticularly limited, but as will be described later, if the sealingportion 12 is formed by using resin, it is preferable to have an angleof 1 degree or more.

In addition, the sealing portion 12 may be designed so as to be subjectto a stress in a sealing release direction from the container 11. Thestructure to be subject to a stress is not particularly limited and, forexample, like the sixth embodiment shown in FIG. 6, a structure in whicha gradient spreading from the bottom to the opening 111 is formed on atleast a portion of the inner wall of the container 11 and at least aportion of the outer wall of the sealing portion 12 and the gradient onthe outer wall of the sealing portion 12 is designed to be equivalent tothe gradient on the inner wall of the container 11 or more can be cited.By designing the gradient on the outer wall of the sealing portion 12 tobe equivalent to the gradient on the inner wall of the container 11 ormore, the sealing portion 12 becomes subject to a stress in the sealingrelease direction from the container 11. As a result, the sealingportion 12 can be removed more easily from the container 11 for electricmeasurements or the like.

The material used for the container 11 and the sealing portion 12constituting the cartridge for electric measurement 1 according to thepresent technology is not particularly limited and in the presenttechnology, the container 11 and the sealing portion 12 can be formed byusing resin.

The type of resin that can be used for the cartridge for electricmeasurement 1 according to the present technology is not particularlylimited and one or two resins or more applicable for holding the samplecan freely be selected and used. For example, hydrophobic and insulatingpolymers, copolymers, or blend polymers of polypropylene, polymethylmethacrylate, polystyrene, acrylic, polysulfone, polytetrafluoroethyleneand the like can be cited. In the present technology, the container 11and the sealing portion 12 are preferably formed from resin selectedfrom, among others, particularly polypropylene, polystyrene, acrylic,and polysulfone. These resins have low coagulation activity to blood andso can also be suitably used, for example, to measure a biologicalsample containing blood.

FIG. 7A is a schematic end view schematically showing the seventhembodiment of the cartridge for electric measurement 1 according to thepresent technology. The sealing portion 12 according to the presenttechnology may be provided with a through hole 123 that is opened (seeFIG. 7B) when the sample holding portion 112 as shown in the seventhembodiment is in a non-sealed state and closed (see FIG. 7C) when atleast a portion of the sample holding portion 112 is in a sealed state.More specifically, the through hole 123 is open when the sealing portion12 is separated from the container 11 and is gradually closed by anexternal force when the sealing portion 12 is inserted into thecontainer 11 before being completely closed when the sealing portion 12reaches a limiting point in the end.

By providing the through hole 123, the through hole 123 becomes a bywayof air encapsulated in a sealed portion of the sample holding portion112 when the sealing portion 12 is inserted into the container 11.Therefore, when the sealing portion 12 is slid into the container 11,the resistance due to air pressure falls. As a result, the convenienceof the user is improved by the ease with which the sealing portion 12 isinserted into the container 11.

Though not illustrated, the form of the bottom 121 of the sealingportion can be formed in a convex shape toward the upper portion 122 ofthe sealing portion. By adopting a convex shape as the form of thebottom 121 of the sealing portion, the bottom 121 of the sealing portionis made more flexible. As a result, the convenience of the user isimproved by the ease with which the sealing portion 12 is inserted intothe container 11.

Further, the sealing portion 12 according to the present technology maybe provided with packing 124 as shown in the eighth embodiment shown inFIG. 8 at the bottom 121 of the sealing portion. By providing thepacking 124, a contact area between the outer wall of the sealingportion 12 and the inner wall of the container 11 decreases when thesealing portion 12 is slid into the container 11, reducing friction. Asa result, the convenience of the user is improved by the ease with whichthe sealing portion 12 is inserted into the container 11.

The sealing portion 12 and the packing 124 may be formed by usingdifferent materials. When different materials are formed, the packing124 and the sealing portion 12 can integrally be formed by the method oftwo-color molding or the like.

The material used for the packing 124 is not particularly limited and inthe present technology, an elastic material is preferably used. Elasticmaterials include, in addition to a silicone elastomer ofpolydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and the like, an acrylic elastomer, aurethane elastomer, a fluorine elastomer, a styrene elastomer, an epoxyelastomer, and natural rubber. By using an elastic material for thepacking 124, a sealed state of the sample holding portion 112 is morelikely to be formed.

(3) Electrode 13

In the cartridge for electric measurement 1 according to the presenttechnology, the electrode 13 is characterized by being fixed to thesample holding portion 112 in advance. The electrode 13 according to thepresent technology is used to come into contact with the sample S forelectric measurement to apply a necessary voltage to the sample S.

In the present technology, the method of fixing the electrode 13 to thesample holding portion 112 is not particularly limited, but it ispreferable to integrally form the sample holding portion 112 and theelectrode 13 while a portion of the electrode 13 is buried in the sampleholding portion 112. By integrally forming the sample holding portion112 and the electrode 13, an adverse effect on the sample S or thereagent R held by the sample holding portion 112 can be excluded.

When, for example, the electrode 13 is fixed to the sample holdingportion 112 by using an adhesive, properties of the sample S or thereagent R may adversely be affected depending on the adhesive to beused. When, for example, electric characteristics of blood are measuredas the sample S, coagulation activity of blood may be promoted dependingon the adhesive to be used, adversely affecting intended measurements.However, by adopting the method of integrally forming the sample holdingportion 112 and the electrode 13, that is, the method that does not usea fixing material such as an adhesive to fix the sample holding portion112 and the electrode 13, an adverse effect of the fixing material suchas an adhesive on the sample S or the reagent R can be excluded. As aresult, improvements of the accuracy of measurement during electricmeasurement are realized.

Even if a fixing material affecting the sample S or the reagent R onlyslightly is used, the adhesion process by the fixing material increaseswhen cartridges for accommodating a sample are manufactured, posing aproblem of reduced productivity. However, by adopting the method ofintegrally forming the sample holding portion 112 and the electrode 13,there is no need to separately provide the adhesion process, in additionto the molding process of the sample holding portion 112. As a result,the manufacture of the cartridge for electric measurement 1 is madeeasier and therefore, the cartridge for electric measurement 1 can bemass-produced at low prices.

In addition, there is a method of measuring electric characteristicswhile an electrode is inserted from outside into a cartridgeaccommodating a sample. According to this method, however, a problem ofmeasurement errors arising due to a difference of the insertion amountof the electrode in the sample is posed. In the cartridge for electricmeasurement 1 according to the present technology, however, theelectrode 13 is fixed to the sample holding portion 112 in advance andmeasurement errors due to a difference of the insertion amount of theelectrode in the sample can be eliminated. As a result, the accuracy ofmeasurement during electric measurement can be improved.

In addition, with the electrode 13 being fixed to the sample holdingportion 112 in advance, there is no need to install a relativepositioning mechanism relative to the cartridge accommodating anelectrode and a sample on the device side so that the configuration onthe device side can also be simplified. As a result, a contribution canbe made to realize miniaturization of devices, simplification ofmanufacturing processes, and lower prices of devices.

The concrete method of integrally forming the sample holding portion 112and the electrode 13 is not particularly limited and a free method canbe used. For example, the container 11 and the electrode 13 canintegrally be formed by arranging the electrode 13 in a predeterminedposition when the resin forming the container 11 is set up from a moltenstate. As a more concrete method, for example, the container 11 and theelectrode 13 can integrally be formed by so-called insert molding inwhich the electrode 13 is inserted into a die and injecting a resintherearound to integrate the electrode 13 and the resin.

Thus, the manufacturing processes can be simplified by, when thecontainer 11 is formed, fixing the electrode 13 at the same time. As aresult, the cartridge for electric measurement 1 according to thepresent technology can be mass-produced at low prices.

The electrode 13 is formed from an electrically conductive material. Inthe cartridge for electric measurement 1 according to the presenttechnology, the type of electrically conductive material used for theelectrode 13 is not particularly limited and one or two materials ormore applicable for electric measurement of the sample S can freely beselected and used. For example, titanium, aluminum, stainless, platinum,gold, copper, and graphite can be cited. In the present technology,among others, it is preferable to form the electrode 13 from anelectrically conductive material particularly containing titanium.Titanium has low coagulation activity to blood and so can also besuitably used, for example, to measure a biological sample containingblood.

Also in the cartridge for electric measurement 1 according to thepresent technology, the number of the electrodes 13 can freely bedesigned in accordance with the method of intended electricmeasurements. When, for example, the dielectric constant or impedance ofthe sample S is measured, a pair of the electrodes 13 or more can beprovided.

Further, the arrangement and form of the electrode 13 are notparticularly limited and can freely be designed in accordance with theform of the sample holding portion 112 or the intended electricmeasuring method as long as a necessary voltage can be applied to thesample S, but in the present technology, as shown in the sixthembodiment in FIG. 6, the connection portion between the sample holdingportion 112 and the electrode 13 is preferably in contact with thesample S in a plane particularly to improve the efficiency ofmeasurement. This is because if, for example, as shown in the fourthembodiment in FIG. 4, there is a step on the inner wall of the sampleholding portion 112, air bubbles may remain in a step portion (see abroken line portion X in FIG. 4B) or unevenness of the reagentconcentration may arise in the step portion, adversely affectingmeasured values. Therefore, by integrally forming the sample holdingportion 112 and the electrode 13 such that the connection portiontherebetween is smooth like in the sixth embodiment, the accuracy ofmeasurement when electric characteristics are measured can be improvedby excluding adverse effects such as air bubbles and unevenness ofsample concentrations.

When a pair or more of the electrodes 13 are included, it is preferableto arrange each of the electrodes 13 in parallel from the viewpoint ofmeasuring electric characteristics of the sample S. However, inconsideration of, for example, mold release characteristics when insertmolding is performed, as shown in the sixth embodiment in FIG. 6, eachof the electrodes 13 can be arranged in a state of a few degrees ofgradient.

Though very rare, the sample S or the reagent R may leak out from aborder between the sample holding portion 112 and the electrode 13depending on storage conditions such as the temperature or measuringconditions due to a difference of strain between resin and anelectrically conductive material or the like. Thus, in the electrode 13according to the present technology, like the seventh embodiment shownin FIG. 7A, by including a curved portion in a portion of the structurefixed to the sample holding portion 112, when compared with the sixthembodiment in FIG. 6 including no curved portion, the sample S or thereagent R can reliably be prevented from leaking out from the borderbetween the sample holding portion 112 and the electrode 13.

Also, by including a curved portion in the electrode 13, fixing of thesample holding portion 112 and the electrode 13 is made firmer and therobust cartridge for electric measurement 1 can be formed.

Further, the cartridge for electric measurement 1 according to thepresent technology can be configured, like the seventh embodiment inFIG. 7A, not to include resin in a cartridge outer portion of the pairof electrodes 13. By adopting such a configuration, when, for example,the sample holding portion 112 is formed, the electrode 13 can bepositioned in a desired position of the cartridge for electricmeasurement 1 by positioning and fixing the electrode 13 by using, forexample, a magnetic means such as a magnet. However, a fixing means ofthe electrode 13 from outside the cartridge is not limited to the abovemagnetic means and any means capable of fixing the electrode 13 fromoutside the cartridge can be used.

Thus, by causing at least a portion of the electrode 13 as a holdingportion to arrange the sample holding portion 112 in a predeterminedposition during integral formation, the cartridge for electricmeasurement 1 in which the electrode 13 is correctly positioned in apredetermined position can easily be manufactured.

By the electrode 13 being held during formation of the sample holdingportion 112, the electrode 13 can be prevented from being deformedduring integral formation.

(4) Clamping Mechanism 2

The cartridge for electric measurement 1 according to the presenttechnology can further include the clamping mechanism 2. In the presenttechnology, more specifically, the clamping mechanism 2 is a mechanismthat fixes the container 11 and the sealing portion 12 when the sealingportion 12 seals at least a portion of the sample holding portion 112.The clamping mechanism 2 is not particularly limited, but can beconfigured by, for example, like the ninth embodiment shown in FIG. 9, anotched portion 21 provided in the container 11 and a claw 22 fittedinto the notched portion 21 and provided in the sealing portion 12. Withthe clamping mechanism 2 being included in the cartridge for electricmeasurement 1, the sealing portion 12 can be prevented from beingdetached from the container 11. As a result, a sealed state of thesample holding portion 112 and the sealing portion 12 can be maintainedin a stable manner.

The clamping mechanism 2 can also be designed such that re-fixing isdifficult to achieve after fixing is released. With the clampingmechanism being made incapable of re-fixing after fixing is released,the cartridge for electric measurement 1 once unstopped is madeincapable of fitting the container 11 and the sealing portion 12. As aresult, a history of unstopping the cartridge for electric measurement 1can be checked. When, for example, the cartridge for electricmeasurement 1 is distributed with the reagent R encapsulated, thequality thereof can be guaranteed.

(a) Notched Portion 21

In the cartridge for electric measurement 1 according to the presenttechnology, the notched portion 21 is characterized by being provided inthe container 11 and structured to be able to fit into the claw 22. Theform of the notched portion 21 is not particularly limited and, forexample, a hole, a groove or the like provided in the container 11 canbe cited. More specifically, for example, a hole provided so as to passthrough from the inner wall to the outer wall of the container 11 can becited.

(b) Claw 22

In the cartridge for electric measurement 1 according to the presenttechnology, the claw 22 is characterized by being provided in thesealing portion 12 and structured to be able to fit into the notchedportion 21. The form of the claw 22 is not particularly limited and, forexample, a projection or the like provided in the sealing portion 12 canbe cited.

The claw 22 can also be designed to be flexible. For example, the methodof forming the claw 22 from a flexible material such as a resin can becited. With the claw 22 being flexible, fitting into the notched portion21 becomes easier and, as a result, the convenience of the user isimproved.

FIG. 10A is a schematic view schematically showing the tenth embodimentof the cartridge for electric measurement 1 according to the presenttechnology, FIG. 10B is an arrow end view when viewed from the L side inFIG. 10A, and FIG. 10C is an arrow end view when viewed from the M sidein FIG. 10A. In the tenth embodiment, the claw 22 is configured to haveplay with respect to the outer wall of the sealing portion 12 bydesigning the claw 22 so as not to directly come into contact with theouter wall of the sealing portion 12. By configuring the claw 22 to haveplay with respect to the outer wall of the sealing portion 12 asdescribed above, the ease with which the claw is fitted into the notchedportion 21 can be improved.

In the tenth embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the electrode 13 and theclamping mechanism 2 are arranged on different side faces of thecontainer 11. By arranging the electrode 13 and the clamping mechanism 2on different side faces of the container 11, contact with a sealingrelease mechanism 6 (see FIG. 13 described later) of the electrode 13when the cartridge 1 is inserted into a cartridge insertion portion 3 ofthe electric measuring apparatus 10 described later can be prevented.

The claw 22 may also be designed to be deformable or cuttable to makere-fixing difficult to achieve when fixing of the clamping mechanism 2is released. The mechanism to deform or cut the claw 22 is notparticularly limited and, for example, a method of melting and deformingthe claw 22 by a chemical means using heat or the like and a method ofcutting the claw 22 by a physical means can be cited. With the claw 22deformed or cut, it becomes difficult to re-fit the claw 22 and thenotched portion 21. Therefore, fitting the container 11 and the sealingportion 12 also becomes difficult to achieve so that the quality of thecartridge for electric measurement 1 can be guaranteed.

In the cartridge for electric measurement 1 according to the presenttechnology, like the container 11 and the sealing portion 12, resin canalso be used for the notched portion 21 and the claw 22. The type ofresin is as described above and the description thereof is omitted here.

(5) Sample S

The sample S that can be measured by the present technology is notparticularly limited and can freely be selected. For example, abiological sample can be cited as the sample S. More specifically, abiological sample containing blood components such as whole blood,plasma, or a diluent thereof and/or drug additives can be cited.

(6) Reagent R

The reagent R that can be held by the sample holding portion 112 is notparticularly limited in the present technology and can freely beselected. For example, a gaseous, solid, or liquid reagent can be citedas the reagent R.

The cartridge for electric measurement 1 according to the presenttechnology is particularly suitable for a liquid reagent. Because thereagent R can be encapsulated in a sealed portion of the sample holdingportion 112, the cartridge for electric measurement 1 is useful for aliquid reagent with fly properties during transportation. Also in thecartridge for electric measurement 1 according to the presenttechnology, the sample holding portion 112 and the electrode 13 areseparated by the sealing portion 12 and thus, the liquid reagent R canbe prevented from flying to the inner wall near the opening 111 of thecontainer 11 or the electrode 13. Therefore, the effective amount ofreagent for the sample S can be maintained and also measurement errorsdue to the reagent R remaining on the electrode 13 can be reduced whenelectric characteristics are measured.

When a biological sample containing blood components is to be measured,an anticoagulant, a coagulation initiator and the like can be cited asthe liquid reagent.

The cartridge for electric measurement 1 according to the presenttechnology can be transported or stored while the reagent R isencapsulated in the sample holding portion 112 of the cartridge forelectric measurement 1 in advance. In this case, the measurement can bestarted only after a process of unstopping the cartridge for electricmeasurement 1 and introducing the sample S to be measured into thesample holding portion 112 immediately before measuring electriccharacteristics. Thus, the entrapment of dust in the air that couldcause deterioration of the accuracy of measurement into the sampleholding portion 112 can be avoided. As a result, improvements of theaccuracy of measurement are realized. Further, increasing complicationof the measuring process is prevented by reduced work processes beforestarting the measurement and also the convenience of the user isimproved.

The cartridge for electric measurement 1 according to the presenttechnology can also be stored by the method of refrigeration, freezing,or freeze-drying while the reagent R is encapsulated depending on thetype of reagent used as the reagent R.

(7) Others

As described above, the cartridge for electric measurement 1 accordingto the present technology can be mass-produced at low prices. Using theabove features, for example, the cartridge for electric measurement 1according to the present technology can be made a single-use cartridge.By making the cartridge for electric measurement 1 according to thepresent technology a single-use cartridge, time and effort to clean thecartridge can be saved and measurements can be made more efficient. Inaddition, an occurrence of measurement errors due to another sample Sremaining in the container can be prevented so that the accuracy ofmeasurement can be improved.

2. Electric Measuring Apparatus 10

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram schematically showing the firstembodiment of the electric measuring apparatus 10 according to thepresent technology. In the present embodiment, the cartridge forelectric measurement 1 according to the aforementioned sixth embodimentis used. The electric measuring apparatus 10 according to the presenttechnology roughly includes at least the cartridge for electricmeasurement 1, the cartridge insertion portion 3, an application unit 4,and a measuring unit 5. In addition, as will be described later, thesealing release mechanism 6 that releases a sealed state of at least aportion of the sample holding portion 112 or a mechanism to position thecartridge for electric measurement 1 according to the present technologymay be included if necessary. Each portion (unit) will be described indetail below. The cartridge for electric measurement 1 is as describedabove and the description thereof is omitted here.

(1) Cartridge Insertion Portion 3

FIG. 12 is a schematic end view schematically showing a detailed exampleof the eleventh embodiment of the cartridge for electric measurement 1according to the present technology and the cartridge insertion portion3 of the electric measuring apparatus 10 according to the presenttechnology. The cartridge for electric measurement 1 according to thepresent technology is inserted into the cartridge insertion portion 3according to the present technology. The cartridge insertion portion 3can freely be designed by fitting to the form of the cartridge forelectric measurement 1.

The cartridge insertion portion 3 may include a temperature controlmechanism. The temperature control mechanism is concretely a mechanismthat enables the sample S and/or the reagent R held by the sampleholding portion 112 to be kept at a constant temperature. Morespecifically, for example, by forming the cartridge insertion portion 3from a material capable of insulating heat, the cartridge for electricmeasurement 1 according to the present technology is designed to keepthe sample S and/or the reagent R at a constant temperature while thecartridge for electric measurement is inserted into the electricmeasuring apparatus 10.

(2) Application Unit 4

The application unit 4 applies a voltage to the electrode 13 of thecartridge for electric measurement 1 according to the presenttechnology. The application unit 4 applies a voltage to the electrode 13of the cartridge for electric measurement 1 when an instruction to startmeasurement is received or the power of the electric measuring apparatus10 is turned on as the start point. More specifically, the applicationunit 4 applies an AC voltage of a predetermined frequency to theelectrode 13 at set measuring intervals. The voltage applied by theapplication unit 4 may be a DC voltage in accordance with electriccharacteristics to be measured.

(3) Measuring Unit 5

The measuring unit 5 measures electric characteristics of the sample Sheld by the cartridge for electric measurement 1 according to thepresent technology. More specifically, electric characteristics such asthe complex dielectric constant (hereinafter, called simply as a“dielectric constant”) and the frequency dispersion thereof are measuredwhen an instruction to start measurement is received or the power of theelectric measuring apparatus 10 is turned on as the start point.

More specifically, for example, when the dielectric constant ismeasured, the measuring unit 5 measures the current or impedance betweenthe electrodes 13 of the cartridge for electric measurement 1 atpredetermined intervals and derives the dielectric constant from themeasured values. For the derivation of the dielectric constant, a knownfunction or formula showing a relationship between the current orimpedance and the dielectric constant can be used.

(4) Sealing Release Mechanism 6

The electric measuring apparatus 10 according to the present technologycan also include the sealing release mechanism 6. In the presenttechnology, the sealing release mechanism 6 is concretely a mechanismthat releases at least a portion of a sealed state of the sample holdingportion 112. The sealing release mechanism 6 is not particularly limitedand can be embodied by, when, for example, the cartridge for electricmeasurement 1 includes the clamping mechanism 2, releasing fixing of thecontainer 11 and the sealing portion 12 by the clamping mechanism 2 byusing a chemical mechanism using heat or a physical mechanism.

More specifically, as shown, for example, in the eleventh embodiment inFIG. 12, a method of arranging the release pin 61 on the side of theelectric measuring apparatus 10 when the cartridge for electricmeasurement 1 is inserted into the cartridge insertion portion 3 can beconsidered.

A concrete example of releasing fixing of the container 11 and thesealing portion 12 by the clamping mechanism 2 by using the release pin61 will be described. The release pin 61 is installed in a position sothat when, for example, the cartridge for electric measurement 1 isinserted into the cartridge insertion portion 3, as shown in FIG. 13,the cartridge comes into contact with the claw 22 provided in thesealing portion 12. If, in this state, the cartridge for electricmeasurement 1 is inserted into the cartridge insertion portion 3 and theclaw 22 provided in the sealing portion 12 is brought into contact withthe release pin 61, the claw 22 is pushed and deformed by the releasepin 61. Fitting of the sealing portion 12 and the notched portion 21provided in the container 11 is released by the deformation of the claw22 and, as shown in FIG. 13B, a stress is generated in the arrowdirection in FIG. 13B with respect to the sealing portion 12. As aresult, only the sealing portion 12 moves in a detachment direction sothat the cartridge for electric measurement 1 can be inserted into thecartridge insertion portion 3 and at the same time, only the sealingportion 12 can smoothly be removed from the container 11. FIG. 13C is aschematic end view schematically showing the cartridge for electricmeasurement 1 (twelfth embodiment) viewed from a direction perpendicularto the sectional view in FIG. 13A. In the present embodiment, from theviewpoint of preventing deformation, breakage and the like caused bycontact of the electrode 13 with the release pin 61, like the tenthembodiment described above, the electrode 13 and the clamping mechanism2 are arranged on different side faces of the container 11.

As another release example, when, for example, the cartridge forelectric measurement 1 is inserted into the cartridge insertion portion3, as shown in FIG. 14A, the claw 22 provided in the sealing portion 12is pushed and deformed by the release pin 61 after an external forcebeing applied to the release pin 61 from both arrow directions in FIG.14A. Fitting of the sealing portion 12 and the notched portion 21provided in the container 11 is released by the deformation of the claw22 and, as shown in FIG. 14B, a stress is generated in the arrowdirection in FIG. 14B with respect to the sealing portion 12. As aresult, only the sealing portion 12 moves in a detachment direction sothat only the sealing portion 12 can smoothly be removed from thecontainer 11.

By including the sealing release mechanism 6 in the electric measuringapparatus 10 according to the present technology, risks of giving anunnecessary shock to the cartridge for electric measurement 1 orapplying an extra external force to the container 11 or the sealingportion 12 are reduced. If only the sealing portion 12 can smoothly beremoved thanks to the sealing release mechanism 6 and the reagent R isheld in the sample holding portion 112, the reagent R can be preventedfrom flying to the cartridge wall surface and the like. As a result,improvements of the convenience of the user and the accuracy ofmeasurement are realized.

(5) Others

In addition, the electric measuring apparatus 10 may include apositioning mechanism of the cartridge for electric measurement 1. Bycorrectly setting the position of the cartridge for electric measurement1, the contact position between the electrode 13 and the applicationunit 4 is also made correct and improvements of the convenience of theuser and the accuracy of measurement are realized. Though notillustrated, for example, a method of designing a pin that positions thecartridge for electric measurement 1 in a height direction with respectto the electric measuring apparatus 10 can be cited.

Further, the electric measuring apparatus 10 can include, like theeleventh embodiment shown in FIG. 12, a positioning mechanism 7 of therelease pin 61. By including the positioning mechanism 7 of the releasepin 61, when the cartridge for electric measurement 1 includes theclamping mechanism 2, the sealing release mechanism 6 can be operatedmore correctly depending on the form of the clamping mechanism 2 ordifferences of flexibility of materials used. As a result, improvementsof the convenience of the user and the accuracy of measurement arerealized. More specifically, for example, a method of designing thepositioning of the release pin 61 by installing a pair of positioningblocks 71 on the opposite side of the side on which the release pin 61comes into contact with the cartridge for electric measurement 1,installing a positioning pin 72 between the pair of positioning blocks71, and moving the positioning blocks 71 and the positioning pin 72appropriately can be cited.

In addition, the electric measuring apparatus 10 may include an analysisunit that receives electric characteristic data of the sample S derivedby the measuring unit 5 and determines physical properties of the sampleS. However, the analysis unit is not indispensable in the electricmeasuring apparatus 10 according to the present technology and, forexample, an analysis of electric characteristic data measured by themeasuring unit 5 can be carried out by using an external computer. Morespecifically, electric characteristic data of the sample S derived bythe measuring unit 5 is given to the analysis unit at measuringintervals and the analysis unit starts to determine physical propertiesof the sample S after receiving the electric characteristic data givenby the measuring unit 5. In addition, the analysis unit makes thenotification of results of properties determination of the sample Sand/or dielectric constant data. The notification can be made by, forexample, displaying results on a monitor as a graph or printing resultson predetermined media.

3. Kit for Electric Measurement K

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram schematically showing the firstembodiment of the kit for electric measurement K according to thepresent technology. In the present embodiment, the cartridge forelectric measurement 1 according to the aforementioned tenth embodimentis used.

The kit for electric measurement K according to the present technologyroughly includes at least the aforementioned cartridge for electricmeasurement 1 and a member for sample introduction 8. The cartridge forelectric measurement 1 is as described above and the description thereofis omitted here.

(1) Member for Sample Introduction 8

The member for sample introduction 8 is a member that introduces thesample S into the container 11. For example, as shown in FIG. 15, apipet-like chip 81 can be cited. For example, the aforementionedelectric measuring apparatus 10 is provided with a suction mechanism(for example, a pipetter) and the chip 81 is mounted on the suctionmechanism to be able to introduce the sample S.

The member for sample introduction 8 is not limited to the pipet-likechip 81 illustrated in FIG. 15 and a member of any form as the whole ora portion of an instrument capable of introducing the sample S into thecontainer 11 may be adopted. For example, in addition to the pipet-likechip, an injection needle can be cited.

Like the cartridge for electric measurement 1, the member for sampleintroduction 8 can be made a single-use member. By making the member forsample introduction 8 a single-use member, time and effort to clean thetool used to introduce the sample can be saved and measurements can bemade more efficient. In addition, an occurrence of measurement errorsdue to another sample S remaining in the tool used to introduce thesample can be prevented so that the accuracy of measurement can beimproved.

4. Electric Measuring Method

The cartridge for electric measurement 1 according to the presenttechnology can suitably be used for measurement of electriccharacteristics of the sample S. Electric characteristics that can bemeasured by the electric measuring method according to the presenttechnology are not particularly limited and measurements can freely bemade in accordance with the type of the sample S to be measured andphysical properties to be analyzed. For example, the dielectric constantor impedance can be measured.

For example, when the target to be measured is blood, blood coagulationconditions or erythrocyte sedimentation rate conditions can be analyzedfrom measured values of dielectric constant or impedance by using theelectric measuring method according to the present technology. Morespecifically, blood coagulation conditions or erythrocyte sedimentationrate conditions can be analyzed by, for example, extracting parametersshowing respective characteristics from a plurality of measured valuesof the dielectric constant and/or impedance received in an analysisperiod and comparing the parameters and reference values defining thereference of the enhancement of blood coagulation capacity or theerythrocyte sedimentation rate progress.

It should be understood by those skilled in the art that variousmodifications, combinations, sub-combinations and alterations may occurdepending on design requirements and other factors insofar as they arewithin the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.

The present technology can adopt the configuration as described below:

(1) A cartridge comprising:

-   -   a container comprising an opening and a holding portion to hold        a sample and/or a reagent;    -   an electrode disposed on a container wall of the container; and    -   a removable separator to separate at least some of the holding        portion of the container from the electrode when the removable        separator is inserted into the holding portion.

(2) The cartridge of (2), wherein the electrode is integrally formedwith the container wall and is at a fixed position on the containerwall.

(3) The cartridge of (1) or (2), wherein:

-   -   the container wall comprises a location having a planar shape;        and    -   the electrode is disposed at the location having the planar        shape.

(4) The cartridge of any one of (1) to (3), wherein a part of theelectrode extending through the container wall to the holding portion isflush with an interior of the container wall.

(5) The cartridge of any one of (1) to (4), wherein the removableseparator is at least partially disposed within the container and formsa liquid-tight seal with the container wall to separate the at leastsome of the holding portion from the electrode.

(6) The cartridge of (5),

-   -   wherein the liquid-tight seal separates the sample and/or the        reagent from the electrode.

(7) The cartridge of any one of (1) to (6), wherein:

-   -   the opening of the container is on a top of the container; and    -   a shape of the container comprises a gradient, spreading from a        container bottom to the opening, on at least a portion of an        interior of the container wall of the container.

(8) The cartridge of any one of (1) to (7), wherein a shape of theremovable separator comprises a gradient, spreading from a bottom of theremovable separator toward a top of the removable separator, on at leasta portion of an exterior of a wall of the removable separator.

(9) The cartridge of (8), wherein:

-   -   the gradient of the portion of the interior of the container        wall is equivalent to the gradient of the portion of the        exterior of the wall of the removable separator; and    -   when inserted into the container, the removable separator is        subject to stress toward a top of the container.

(10) The cartridge of any one of (1) to (9), further comprising a clampthat fixes relative positions of the container and the removableseparator when the removable separator is inserted into the holdingportion and separates the at least some of the holding portion from theelectrode.

(11) The cartridge of (10), wherein the clamp is arranged to be releasedfrom clamping and to be incapable of re-clamping after release.

(12) The cartridge of (10) or (11), wherein:

-   -   the clamp comprises a notched portion provided in the container        and a claw provided on the removable separator and arranged to        catch in the notched portion when the removable separator is        inserted into the holding portion;    -   the claw is flexible;    -   the clamp is arranged to be released from clamping by deforming        the claw or cutting the claw to a state in which the notched        portion does not catch in the notched portion following release.

(13) The cartridge of any one of (1) to (12), wherein a bottom of theremovable separator comprises a hole that is open when the removableseparator is not inserted into the holding portion and is closed whenthe removable separator is inserted into the holding portion to separatethe at least some of the holding portion of the container from theelectrode.

(14) The cartridge of any one of (1) to (13), wherein the electrode isdisposed in the holding portion.

(15) The cartridge of any one of (1) to (14), wherein the container wallcomprises a first side and a second side opposite the first side;

-   -   the electrode is disposed on the first side; and    -   the cartridge further comprises an opposite electrode disposed        on the second side.

(16) The cartridge of any one of (1) to (15), wherein the electrode isconfigured to apply an electrical signal to the sample and/or thereagent.

(17) The cartridge of any one of (1) to (16), wherein the containerand/or the removable separator comprises a resin selected from a groupof resins consisting of polypropylene, polystyrene, acrylic, andpolysulfone.

(18) The cartridge of any one of (1) to (17) in a kit, the kit furthercomprising a member to introduce the sample into the container.

(19) The kit of (18), wherein the member is a pipet.

(20) The kit of (18), wherein the member is an injection needle.

(21) An electric measuring apparatus comprising:

-   -   a cartridge comprising:        -   a container comprising an opening and a holding portion to            hold a sample and/or a reagent;        -   an electrode disposed on a container wall of the container            and configured to apply an electrical signal to the sample            and/or the reagent; and        -   a removable separator to separate at least some of the            holding portion of the container from the electrode when the            removable separator is inserted into the holding portion;    -   a cartridge holder into which the cartridge is inserted;    -   a signal generating circuit to generate a first signal to be        applied to the electrode of the cartridge; and    -   a measuring circuit to measure at least one electrical        characteristic of a second signal, resulting from application of        the first signal to the electrode of the cartridge, indicative        of one or more electrical characteristics of the sample and/or        the reagent disposed in the holding portion.

(22) The electric measuring apparatus of (21), wherein the electrode isdisposed in the holding portion.

(23) The electric measuring apparatus of (21) or (22), wherein thecontainer wall comprises a first side and a second side opposite thefirst side;

-   -   the electrode is disposed on the first side; and    -   the cartridge further comprises a second electrode disposed on        the second side.

(24) The electric measuring apparatus of any one of (21) to (23),wherein:

-   -   the cartridge further comprises a clamp, the clamp comprising a        notched portion provided in the container and a claw provided on        the removable separator and arranged to catch in the notched        portion when the removable separator is inserted into the        holding portion; and    -   the cartridge holder further comprises a sealing release member        to, upon insertion of the cartridge into the cartridge holder,        release the claw of the clamp from the notched portion.

(25) A method comprising:

-   -   removing a removable separator from a container of a cartridge,        the cartridge comprising a sample and/or a reagent disposed in        the container and an electrode at least partially disposed in        the container, wherein prior to removal the removable separator        formed a liquid-tight seal separating the sample and/or the        reagent from the electrode;    -   applying at least one electrical signal to the electrode of the        cartridge;    -   measuring at least one second signal resulting from application        of the at least one electrical signal to the electrode of the        cartridge; and    -   determining at least one diagnostic result of a sample disposed        with the sample and/or the reagent in the container based at        least in part on the measuring.

Furthermore, the present technology can adopt the configuration asdescribed below:

[1′] A cartridge for electric measurement comprising:

-   -   a container including an opening and a sample holding portion;    -   a sealing portion that seals at least a portion of the sample        holding portion; and    -   an electrode fixed to the sample holding portion, wherein    -   the sealing portion separates a sealed portion of the sample        holding portion and the electrode.

[2′] The cartridge for electric measurement according to [1′], whereinthe container has a gradient spreading from a container bottom to theopening on at least a portion of an inner wall.

[3′] The cartridge for electric measurement according to [1′] or [2′],wherein the sealing portion has a gradient spreading from a bottom ofthe sealing portion to an upper portion of the sealing portion on atleast a portion of an outer wall.

[4′] The cartridge for electric measurement according to any one of [1′]to [3′], wherein the sealing portion is subject to a stress in a sealingrelease direction from the container.

[5′] The cartridge for electric measurement according to any one of [1′]to [4′], wherein at least a portion of an inner wall of the containerand at least a portion of an outer wall of the sealing portion have agradient spreading from a bottom to the opening, and

-   -   the gradient of the outer wall of the sealing portion is        equivalent to the gradient of the inner wall of the container or        more.

[6′] The cartridge for electric measurement according to any one of [1′]to [5′], further comprising:

-   -   a clamping mechanism that fixes the container and the sealing        portion when the sealing portion seals at least a portion of the        sample holding portion.

[7′] The cartridge for electric measurement according to [6′], whereinthe clamping mechanism is made difficult to re-fix after fixing isreleased.

[8′] The cartridge for electric measurement according to [6′] or [7′],wherein

-   -   the clamping mechanism includes    -   a notched portion provided in the container, and    -   a claw fitted into the notched portion and provided in the        sealing portion.

[9′] The cartridge for electric measurement according to [8′], whereinthe claw has flexibility.

[10′] The cartridge for electric measurement according to [8′] or [9′],wherein the claw is deformed or cut to a form in which re-fixing isdifficult when fixing is released.

[11′] The cartridge for electric measurement according to any one of[1′] to [10′], wherein the sealing portion is provided with a throughhole that is opened when the sample holding portion is in a non-sealedstate and closed when at least a portion of the sample holding portionis in a sealed state.

[12′] The cartridge for electric measurement according to any one of[1′] to [11′], wherein the container and the sealing portion are formedfrom a resin.

[13′] The cartridge for electric measurement according to [12′], whereinthe resin is one resin or more selected from polypropylene, polystyrene,acrylic, and polysulfone.

[14′] The cartridge for electric measurement according to any one of[1′] to [13′], wherein the sample holding portion has a reagentencapsulated in the sealed portion.

[15′] The cartridge for electric measurement according to [14′], whereinthe reagent is liquid.

[16′] The cartridge for electric measurement according to any one of[1′] to [15′], wherein the sample is a biological sample.

[17′] An electric measuring apparatus comprising:

-   -   a container including an opening and a sample holding portion;    -   a sealing portion that seals at least a portion of the sample        holding portion and;    -   an electrode fixed to the sample holding portion, wherein    -   the sealing portion at least includes    -   a cartridge for electric measurement that separates a sealed        portion of the sample holding portion and the electrode,    -   a cartridge insertion portion through which the cartridge for        electric measurement is inserted,    -   an application unit that applies a voltage to the electrode, and    -   a measuring unit that measures electric characteristics of the        sample.

[18′] The electric measuring apparatus according to [17′], furthercomprising: a sealing release mechanism that releases a sealed state ofat least a portion of the sample holding portion.

[19′] A kit for electric measurement comprising:

-   -   a container including an opening and a sample holding portion;    -   a sealing portion that seals at least a portion of the sample        holding portion and;    -   an electrode fixed to the sample holding portion, wherein    -   the sealing portion includes    -   a cartridge for electric measurement that separates a sealed        portion of the sample holding portion and the electrode, and    -   a member for sample introduction that introduces the sample into        the container.

[20′] An electric measuring method for measuring electriccharacteristics of a sample by using a cartridge for electricmeasurement comprising:

-   -   a container including an opening and a sample holding portion;    -   a sealing portion that seals at least a portion of the sample        holding portion and;    -   an electrode fixed to the sample holding portion, wherein    -   when at least a portion of the sample holding portion is sealed        by the sealing portion, a sealed portion of the sample holding        portion and the electrode are separated by the sealing portion.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

-   1 Cartridge for electric measurement-   11 Container-   111 Opening-   112 Sample holding portion-   113 Container bottom-   12 Sealing portion-   121 Bottom of the sealing portion-   122 Upper portion of the sealing portion-   123 Through hole-   124 Packing-   13 Electrode-   2 Clamping mechanism-   21 Notched portion-   22 Claw-   S Sample-   R Reagent-   10 Electric measuring apparatus-   3 Cartridge insertion portion-   4 Application unit-   5 Measuring unit-   6 Sealing release mechanism-   61 Release pin-   7 Positioning mechanism of the release pin 61-   71 Positioning block-   72 Positioning pin-   K Kit for electric measurement-   8 Member for sample introduction-   81 Pipet-like chip 81

1. A cartridge comprising: a container comprising an opening and aholding portion to hold a sample and/or a reagent; an electrode disposedon a container wall of the container; and a removable separator toseparate at least some of the holding portion of the container from theelectrode when the removable separator is inserted into the holdingportion.
 2. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the electrode isintegrally formed with the container wall and is at a fixed position onthe container wall.
 3. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein: the containerwall comprises a location having a planar shape; and the electrode isdisposed at the location having the planar shape.
 4. The cartridge ofclaim 1, wherein a part of the electrode extending through the containerwall to the holding portion is flush with an interior of the containerwall.
 5. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the removable separator is atleast partially disposed within the container and forms a liquid-tightseal with the container wall to separate the at least some of theholding portion from the electrode.
 6. The cartridge of claim 5, whereinthe liquid-tight seal separates the sample and/or the reagent from theelectrode.
 7. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein: the opening of thecontainer is on a top of the container; and a shape of the containercomprises a gradient, spreading from a container bottom to the opening,on at least a portion of an interior of the container wall of thecontainer.
 8. The cartridge of claim 7, wherein a shape of the removableseparator comprises a gradient, spreading from a bottom of the removableseparator toward a top of the removable separator, on at least a portionof an exterior of a wall of the removable separator.
 9. The cartridge ofclaim 8, wherein: the gradient of the portion of the interior of thecontainer wall is equivalent to the gradient of the portion of theexterior of the wall of the removable separator; and when inserted intothe container, the removable separator is subject to stress toward a topof the container.
 10. The cartridge of claim 1, further comprising aclamp that fixes relative positions of the container and the removableseparator when the removable separator is inserted into the holdingportion and separates the at least some of the holding portion from theelectrode.
 11. The cartridge of claim 10, wherein the clamp is arrangedto be released from clamping and to be incapable of re-clamping afterrelease.
 12. The cartridge of claim 10, wherein: the clamp comprises anotched portion provided in the container and a claw provided on theremovable separator and arranged to catch in the notched portion whenthe removable separator is inserted into the holding portion; the clawis flexible; the clamp is arranged to be released from clamping bydeforming the claw or cutting the claw to a state in which the notchedportion does not catch in the notched portion following release.
 13. Thecartridge of claim 1, wherein a bottom of the removable separatorcomprises a hole that is open when the removable separator is notinserted into the holding portion and is closed when the removableseparator is inserted into the holding portion to separate the at leastsome of the holding portion of the container from the electrode.
 14. Thecartridge of claim 1, wherein the electrode is disposed in the holdingportion.
 15. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the container wallcomprises a first side and a second side opposite the first side; theelectrode is disposed on the first side; and the cartridge furthercomprises an opposite electrode disposed on the second side.
 16. Thecartridge of claim 1, wherein the electrode is configured to apply anelectrical signal to the sample and/or the reagent.
 17. The cartridge ofclaim 1, wherein the container and/or the removable separator comprisesa resin selected from a group of resins consisting of polypropylene,polystyrene, acrylic, and polysulfone.
 18. The cartridge of claim 1 in akit, the kit further comprising a member to introduce the sample intothe container.
 19. The kit of claim 18, wherein the member is a pipet.20. The kit of claim 18, wherein the member is an injection needle. 21.An electric measuring apparatus comprising: a cartridge comprising: acontainer comprising an opening and a holding portion to hold a sampleand/or a reagent; an electrode disposed on a container wall of thecontainer and configured to apply an electrical signal to the sampleand/or the reagent; and a removable separator to separate at least someof the holding portion of the container from the electrode when theremovable separator is inserted into the holding portion; a cartridgeholder into which the cartridge is inserted; a signal generating circuitto generate a first signal to be applied to the electrode of thecartridge; and a measuring circuit to measure at least one electricalcharacteristic of a second signal, resulting from application of thefirst signal to the electrode of the cartridge, indicative of one ormore electrical characteristics of the sample and/or the reagentdisposed in the holding portion.
 22. The electric measuring apparatus ofclaim 21, wherein the electrode is disposed in the holding portion. 23.The electric measuring apparatus of claim 22, wherein the container wallcomprises a first side and a second side opposite the first side; theelectrode is disposed on the first side; and the cartridge furthercomprises an opposite electrode disposed on the second side.
 24. Theelectric measuring apparatus of claim 21, wherein: the cartridge furthercomprises a clamp, the clamp comprising a notched portion provided inthe container and a claw provided on the removable separator andarranged to catch in the notched portion when the removable separator isinserted into the holding portion; and the cartridge holder furthercomprises a sealing release member to, upon insertion of the cartridgeinto the cartridge holder, release the claw of the clamp from thenotched portion.
 25. A method comprising: removing a removable separatorfrom a container of a cartridge, the cartridge comprising a sampleand/or a reagent disposed in the container and an electrode at leastpartially disposed in the container, wherein prior to removal theremovable separator formed a liquid-tight seal separating the sampleand/or the reagent from the electrode; applying at least one electricalsignal to the electrode of the cartridge; measuring at least one secondsignal resulting from application of the at least one electrical signalto the electrode of the cartridge; and determining at least onediagnostic result of a sample disposed with the sample and/or thereagent in the container based at least in part on the measuring.